shaizada

On 8/13/2020 at 4:05 PM, Sad Heart said:

Just got a job as an AV Tech installer (amazing timing too since CARES just ran out). So stoked to be installing AV equipment for a living. A lot of it is Sonos and home automation or commercial stuff. But everyone so often we do big ole mansions with man caves and listening rooms. Best part is I get anything from our brands partners or suppliers at cost + shipping. I’m already dreaming of everything I’m going to get. We partner with a lot of high end brands so I have a good amount to choose from (Bluesound, B&W, Klipsch, Def Tech, Sony, Denon, LG, Samsung, etc). Never thought I’d get my hands on this kinda stuff so I’m doing lots of research. Looking at a Cambridge CXA81, Bluesound Node 2i, Def Tech D11 or maybe some B&Ws, and possibly an Ortofon Bronze (not sure what carts we stock / have the hook up for). Definitely replacing my Sony with an integrated amp since that’s my weak link in the set up. 
 

Here’s another cool thing, I can extend my discounts to friends and family which is cost + 10% + shipping. So after I’ve been there a while I’d be more than happy to hook the VC community up with gear (more so the lower to middle class people such as myself that otherwise couldn’t afford stuff like this). 

That is seriously very nice of you to do.

Where are you located? 

Wow...no updates since October 2019?  Really??

On 8/22/2019 at 11:54 AM, ajxd said:

This must be the cheapest thing in your setup.

Honestly, I have no clue anymore...cheapest thing that I use is probably a Shure M97xe cartridge.  Great cartridge! 

Ok a couple of new updates, for fun.

Picked up a couple of Air Tight pieces as I've lusted after this brand...

Air Tight ATM-1 Tube Power Amplifier (EL34 based amp, Tamura Output Transformers, Tube Rectified Power Supply)

Second piece is an Air Tight ATL-10A Passive Preamplifier.  The one I got uses the no longer made ALPS RK501 Volume Pot which was an upgrade option:

Check out how the analog pot works....it's a special motorized setup....very interesting design!

Both the pieces above are the genius of this man, Atsushi Miura san:

Picked up a pair of Hashimoto HM-7 Step Up transformers.  Been trying to get them for a while (a few years), but it worked out this time:

Mullard PCC88 Tubes for my preamplifier.

6 hours ago, Citroen said:

Great. What tables are they on?

The Wand and a Schroeder Reference is on a Luxman PD 444 turntable.

The SME 3009R is and an Ikeda IT 407-CR1 is on a Woodsong Audio Garrard 301 (Grease Bearing, Hammertone Finish).

The SME 3012 Series II Early Version is on a Micro Seiki BL-91L.

Kuzma 4 Point and Helius Omega Silver Ruby on the EAR Discmaster.

Kuzma Airline Linear Tracker, 2nd Helius Silver Ruby and Schick 12" on a Custom Redpoint Turntable.

Triplanar VII on a Steve Dobbins Garrard 301 (Oil Bearing, Cream Finish).

Townshend Rock 7 with Copper Helius Omega tonearm.

Dual VPI JMW 12" Tonearms on a VPI TNT 6 with HRX Dual Motor, Rim Drive.

In the main listening system, 5 turntables are active with 10 tonearms setup  It's analog heaven for me...

 There are a few more turntables not mentioned....a second Luxman PD 444, Denon DP 59L, Sony PS-X700 Biotracer.

EDIT:  I should at least add a FEW pictures, else its boring text!

Ok enough Spam for one Post!!  Thanks!

19 minutes ago, Citroen said:

Very close. You obviously know your arms!

 

12 inch Wand Plus, Dynavector DV505, and SME 3012R

Thanks!  I've been meaning to get a 507 MKII for some time.  I actually ALSO have a 10" Wand Plus and a couple of SME arms....3009R and a 3012 Series II Early Version plus a few others....I love truly love analog, especially tonearms and turntables

On 5/10/2018 at 4:51 AM, Citroen said:

Aura turntable

 

Nice tonearms!  The Wand, Dynavector DV-507MKII , SME 3009 or 3012, can't tell from the angle?

I've put together another setup as well.  

Quad 57 Electrostatics with the EAR V20 Integrated Amplifier.

For Trade.

HAVE:
Unopened copy of Bill Evans - Another Time. RSD 2017 Release on Vinyl.

WANT:
Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit "Live from welcome to 1979" RSD 2017. Unopened. 

Thanks!

If you have a copy of my Want for a reasonable price, let me know.

On 11/8/2016 at 6:37 AM, Sasan said:

Seriously man, whatever job you have, I need the same...

So many many paths to "Nirvana".  Honestly, its really not how much you make;  its what you do with what you make...as mentioned, anyone can have fancy setups. However, getting it to sound transcendental is a mix of luck, destiny, knowledge, will power and drive.  Something like that...you get the point.

Wow, that 401!  Superb @allenh I love it...just heard one last week that was redone by Audio Grail in the UK.  It was immaculate.  The sound was unbearably good!  It was setup in a DAS Audio plinth with an SME 3009R.  Such a stunning combination.

21 hours ago, allenh said:

Surely that SME belongs with your Garrard

The SME 3012 Series II, Early Version I have is a fantastic matchup with the Garrard.  But the Micro Seiki is already setup and singing with it, so I'm leaving it there.  I picked up a SME 3009R for use with the Garrard in the second arm board.  I'll set it up there and get that classic combination going.

@Tardcore , guilty as charged!   If I could spin around on my toilet and make music (wait a sec!  Maybe I already do that!!!), I would do it.  LOL!

I bet if they cut open my heart, there would be bits of vinyl embedded in there somewhere

This is a separate setup that I share with the family.  Single driver speakers, low wattage amps, vinyl.  Simple and heartwarming sound from this one.

Amps:  EAR V20 Integrated or Almarro 318B

Turntable: Micro Seiki BL-91L with SME 3012 Series II (Early Version) tonearm, Supex 900 Super MC cartridge

Phono: Eddie Current Transcription 

Speakers: Blumenstein Naga's with dual subs, Townshend Audio Supertweeters

Cables: Kubala Sosna Emotion

Setup my newest table, a Woodsong Audio Garrard 301, Grease Bearing in Hammertone Finish.  In a Woodsong Cocobolo plinth with dual ebony armboards for dual tonearms.  But first tonearm is loaded and running....the Ikeda IT-407CR1 12" Tonearm with an Ortofon SPU Classic GM cartridge.  

I was going to wait another year or so before I moved into my idler wheel turntable journey. Well, I just went ahead and moved that planning forward!
I bought a Steve Dobbins Garrard 301 (cream colored, oil bearing version) with the upgraded copper platter. I haven't decided what tonearm and cartridge I want for it, but it should all happen relatively soon. The turntable ships tomorrow!

Here she is:

I was going to wait another year or so before I moved into my idler wheel turntable journey. Well, I just went ahead and moved that planning forward!
I bought a Steve Dobbins Garrard 301 (cream colored, oil bearing version) with the upgraded copper platter. I haven't decided what tonearm and cartridge I want for it, but it should all happen relatively soon. The turntable ships tomorrow!

Here she is:

Put the Kuzma 4 Point tonearm on the EAR Discmaster finally.  Stupendous match as they worked so bloody well together.  I thought the Discmaster turntable might not be able to handle the 2 Kilogram plus tonearm...but it did!

4 hours ago, allenh said:

Yes but are the bank manager suicides it causes along the way worth it.

And you know you haven't reached sonic nirvana really, it's one of those mythical unattainable things so give it a couple of months and something else shiny will catch your eye, you know I'm right.

No need for another month

I just picked up another new turntable play with.  It should arrive in a week or two:

Redpoint Model D, Triplanar VII Tonearm, Ikeda IT-407CR1 12" version, another Helius Silver Ruby, Dynavector XV-1T cartridge, Transfiguration Orpheus L cartridge, HRS M3 Base and a Siltech Lake Compass tonearm cable.  

And its an interesting color to boot!  Right now, I don't care much for the color, but it might grow on me when I get it.  If not, I'll take it to a local shop and get it some nice automotive color.  Maybe a white or grey or black...might be fun!

1 hour ago, vinyl addict said:

And? No reviews?

I'm speechless....no words to say really.  The system is one with the artists intention with no electronic hinderance or interference.  Tonal saturation, transient attacks, imaging cues, soundstage...its all rather meaningless at this point.  U r lost in the music with zero fatigue, emerging refreshed and ready for whatever the world throws at you.

Something more to be experienced rather than discussed on a forum   I wish everyone can get their sonic nirvana...its a worthy chase and goal.

6 hours ago, vinyl addict said:

 

 

Any updates?

Oh yes!  Apart from the Dac and Transport, I have the other items setup:

New speakers installed into the setup yesterday!

7 hours ago, allenh said:

I take it that Helius arms are a winner then? And I still think you need to go suspended sub chassis in the turntable department but that's just because I'm biased. Either way that really is some weak at the knee's equipment you have there.

The Helius Omega is DEFINITELY a winner.  I am ordering a new black Helius Omega (Copper version) to go with the new table.  The 2nd tonearm will be a Kuzma 4 Point.  A third tonearm in a standalone pod will be the Schroder Reference.  

48 minutes ago, Sidney Crosley said:

Thanks!

 

And I'm also a little worried how my music will sound on $100K worth of equipment. You'll probably hear my fridge making ice in the background.

It's definitely a special listening experience, but other than pure resolution, what the setup does is present the music almost JUST as the artist intended.  Body, tone, textures, details are all fleshed out really.  Very addictive and its not really about cost.  It's about attaining proximity to the sound in one's head.  I am sure ALL your music will come through!  If you are ever around Southern California, you are welcome for a listen.